YOUNGSTERS on the children’s ward at Royal Blackburn Hospital got a special treat when stars from Blackburn Rovers played Santa.

Most of the club’s first team went along to talk to sick and injured children on the ward and give them a gift.

They were joined by manager Gary Bowyer and former defender and current first team coach Craig Short.

Robin Ellison, 15, from Blackburn, had to miss the team’s 3-2 win over Millwall on Saturday after his appendix burst.

He spent the day in hospital having it removed.

So he was delighted when Chris Taylor, Scott Dann, Grant Hanley and Jason Lowe stopped by to give him a signed calendar and cheer him up a bit.

The season ticket-holder said: “I missed the game on Saturday because I was in here, but now I have got to see them up close and personal. It has made me feel a bit happier. It was almost worth it to get to talk to Jordan Rhodes.”

Midfielder Lee Williamson stopped by to give a gift to two-year-old David Kasongo, who has a problem with his leg.

Mum Vicky Kapinga said: “It is not nice to be in hospital but at least he has got to see this and it is really nice for him to get a present.”

Jordan Rhodes and Tom Cairney also visited two-year-old Lukas Hartley, of Burnley.

Mum Toni said: “Thank God his dad isn’t here. He’s a big Clarets fan!

“But seriously, it is nice that they come around like this. Petty rivalries go out of the window when it comes to the health of children.”

Noah Procter, two, had his day brightened by goalkeeper Jake Kean and defender Tommy Spurr.

Mum Sammie Doran said: “Me and his dad are big Rovers fans so we will make sure he is when he grows up and we can tell him all about this special day.”

Top goalscorer Jordan Rhodes said it was important for clubs like Rovers to engage with the community.

He said: “Doing this every year really puts things into perspective, on and off the field, about life.”

See our gallery here: http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/photos/december_2013/rovers_visit_childrenward/